I will say that Grant Morrison's work over the last few years has, quite honestly, gone right over my head. It's been a lot of high concept work that, by his own admission, skips a lot of details to get to the action.
Let me tell you that none of those problems exist in Batman and Robin #1. Instead we are treated to a fun, fast-paced comic book that takes the traditional paradigms and myths of Batman and gives them a little twist.
The story involves an evil circus coming to town. This is perfect given Dick Grayson's own carney past and treats us to some typical side show freaks turned villains. There also appears to be a little nod to The Killing Joke, as the circus folk might be using the Joker's Ghost Train hideout.
The characterization of Alfred, Dick and Damien are spot on. Dick is doing his best to honor his father's memory and pick up his father's work. We get that he'd rather be Nightwing, but that he also doesn't want to let his father down.
Damien, on the other hand, is a little snot who thinks he's ready to put on the batman costume now and fill the role, despite the fact that he's 10. Dick and Damien's personalities do a great job of bouncing off each other, and the hope is that the eternal optimism of Dick Grayson will turn Damien into a decent human being, perhaps saving the boy from a fate worse than Jason Todd's.
The art is brilliant. Quietly seamlessly weaves sound effects into the background, so that splashing water spells out 'sploosh.' Batman and Robin turn in a beautiful full page image, descending from their new flying batmobile onto police headquarters.
At the end of the day, if you're looking for a fun comic book that doesn't require a lot of overthinking, then Batman and Robin is the start of a thrill ride 3 issue arc that you'll enjoy.
Also, Dick Grayson fans should check out www.nightwingfanclub.com
